This exceptionally well preserved model is a witness to the humble beginnings of American Globe maker Replogle. Once a salesman to Weber Costello, Luther Replogle decided to venture out on his own in 1930. Importing paper gores from England and mounting them onto globes at night in his basement, Replogle would load them into his car and sell one globe at a time, door to door every day. He continued to do so until 1933, when Marshall Fields, a Midwest Department Store, placed their first order of a massive quantity. The artifact we are offering is one of Replogles earliest pieces.

This globe represents the world of 1930-31, in the midst of the Great Depression. Manchuria in China has not yet been occupied by Japan (Sept. 1931) but all is calm in pre WW2 Europe. Istanbul (1930) is shown as is Central Australia (1926-1931).

The globe is well preserved with beautiful crazing to the original varnish. The cartouche is the only one like it I’ve seen on a Replogle globe. There are two small sections of the engraved map that are missing as shown in the photos. The plaster sits atop a heavy brass arm and gorgeous turned fruit wood base. Diameter of this handsome sphere is 12 inches with a total height of about 20 inches.

This exquisite find is an original piece of history, documenting an era long gone.

Item #: 0420REP31AD